El capitan routes. May 24, 2024 · Alex Honnold, one of the world’s elite rock climbers, smashed the speed record for rope-soloing the Salathé Wall route on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley on Thursday. This iconic landmark is about 1. 11, 8p) El Capitan Route: Freeblast 5. His latest achievement is the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, via the uber classic Freerider route. Rob Miller and Roby Rudolf spent 14 days on the wall to complete the 39-pitch 5. But the Nose also is a complex climb, requiring a large repertoire of techniques that may be unfamiliar to newcomers. Here's what I wish I knew beforehand. . El Capitan is Yosemite's majestic icon known for its sheer cliff face and stunning views. It marked the era of big wall climbing in Yosemite and is a true work of art; audacity and tenacity enabled the first ascentionists over a period of 47 days to invent and believe in this completely direct line up El Capitan. Route map for 'El Capitan' - a 25. To visit El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, take Highway 140, which offers a scenic drive into Jun 12, 2025 · El Capitan serves as a runway: a place for climbers to express themselves and show off their personalities. Months of work, all on a single gigapixel image. Without a road map to get there it can be quite intimidating and people don’t know where to start. The granite rock face is about 3,000 feet (914 metres) from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers. While El Capitan climbing offers a wide range of big wall climbing routes, there is plenty to do for non-climbers as well. It boasts large clean corners from the ground to summit with moderate yet sustained climbing. El Capitan is Spanish for The Captain or The Chief and is fitting given its domineering This pack of SuperTopos will prepare you for climbing El Capitan's The Nose or any big wall. 9 A4, AAJ 1971). For example, to find all the 5. com ‘s Erik Sloan, a longtime valley xRez collaborator, author, and holder of over one hundred El Cap climbs, has long utilized our images to lay routes over in his climbing guidebooks. This pack of SuperTopos will prepare you for climbing El Capitan's The Nose or any big wall. Aug 1, 2025 · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - Salathe Wall - Yosemite Valley, California USA. Jun 15, 2006 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Some of the popular climbing routes include The Nose, Salathé Wall, and the Dihedral Wall. Often referred to as the "best rock climb in the world" it is obvious why this route is one of the most sought after big walls in the valley and the The Route For reasons not hard to comprehend, El Capitan – an incomprehensibly massive granite cliff in Yosemite Valley – is threaded with hundreds of world class routes. 3 days ago · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - Freerider - Yosemite Valley, California USA. This is our comprehensive guide to hiking up El Cap: how hard it is, what to expect, how to plan it and everything you need to know to stand at the top of this icon. It does not I drew every route, every feature, every named pitch on El Cap. I’ve even marked all the significant features! This is a limited edition, first-of-its-kind stunning educational tool for any aspiring climber. Dec 13, 2024 · I spent 40 days on Freerider (my first El Capitan route) before freeing it in a 16-hour push. Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson's heroic 19-day battle for the first free ascent of The Dawn Wall represented a monumental milestone in the climbing history books. SuperTopo offers the world's best rock climbing and mountaineering route information for El Capitan - Freerider 5. 9 C2, the Nose is considered to be the easiest full-length route on El Capitan, which makes it extremely popular and draws relatively inexperienced big-wall climbers. S. The Upper Yosemite Falls Track is the most heavily trafficked trail to El Capitan, which offers a sense of security for more junior travelers. Find your thing. To find all the 5. The top of El Capitan can be reached by hiking out of Yosemite Valley on the trail next to Yosemite Falls, then proceeding west. Aug 25, 2024 · The El Capitan became nearly as famous as AT&SF's flagship, albeit it was an all-coach affair between Los Angeles and Chicago, inaugurated in 1938. Like 3000’ tall large. On Youtube, it is possible to find many videos of strong climbers from all over Jun 13, 2013 · Yosemite’s Iconic El Capitan Mapped in High-Res 3-D New geologic map helps scientists understand ancient volcano’s roots and contemporary rock falls. For climbers, the challenge is to climb up the sheer granite face. I wouldn't Oct 24, 2017 · I follow the international rock climbing scene, and we constantly hear of repetitions of hard routes on El Capitan. To free climb El Cap’s big-wall routes is a proud feat, undertaking difficulties of at least 5. Therefore SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - Triple Direct - Yosemite Valley, California USA. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. You don't get the feeling you're actually on El Cap, though you are afforded with great views of the tremendous southeast face. Overview El Capitan is perhaps the most sublime feature in all of Yosemite Valley, and second only to Half Dome among Yosemite's most recognized features. Is there anything within that grade on El Capitan? if not, anything just as cool on a big wall in yosemite? Freeblast, , El Capitan, - Rock climbing and topo info, including possible combinations and similar climbs for Freeblast and many more of the best classic routes. From the towering monoliths of El Capitan to the dramatic granite walls of Half Dome, these routes have become legendary in the climbing community. July 1956 timetable for the Hi-Level El Capitan passenger train at Streamliner Schedules. By 1998 the Half Dome poster was complete. Chai Vasarhelyi (" ") and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Jun 15, 2006 · The East Buttress of El Cap is a classic adventure up the right hand shoulder of El Cap. Not terrifically physical, the East Buttress of El Cap is long, somewhat wandering and of beautiful quality. How to Get to El Capitan Accessing the various El Capitan destinations can vary, but generally, they are conveniently reachable by road. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. For an El Capitan Free, Yosemite National Park, CA PUBLISHED IN 2012, FIRST EDITION • SIZE: 36" X 63" This giant climbing poster map has all of the routes on El Cap. 12d. Thanks to Jimmy Chin, I received a call from National Geographic in 2010. The lower pitches are beautiful, exposed and straightforward, while the upper part of the route involves wandering, lower-angle free climbing of lesser quality. try a search for "5. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. The El Capitan and Express Shuttles operate from 9:00am - 6:00pm. 13+. 12 and 5. The path largely follows the historic Salathé Wall but incorporates crucial variations. Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. 3 days ago · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - West Face - Yosemite Valley, California USA. The first 10 pitches of this route are often independently completed as a separate route and is known as Freeblast 5. While free climbing El Capitan’s Golden Gate (VI 5. It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and considered a classic around the world. At the 2019 oscars , documenting the climb, by filmmaker E. Honnold made a free solo of El Capitan via Freerider two years ago. Here are the routes on El Capitan: 1) East Ridge (Class 3) - Just northwest of Alice Lakes at the 8600 ft level, leave the trail and head Jul 28, 2025 · GPS map for: El Capitan - Freerider 5. In 2016, we hatched a plan to shoot El Cap in record-setting 228,000 pixel resolution using an 800mm Canon L prime with a robotic Rodeon head. 4 days ago · The route has little mandatory free climbing, but it is more enjoyable and goes faster if you can free 5. Not only was the route one of the last remaining lines on El Capitan to received a free ascent, but with two formidable pitches of 9a/5. Professional climber Tommy Caldwell completed the first free ascents of a number of different routes up El Capitan and knows it better than most. 3 days ago · From the summit of most routes, hike east, staying 100 feet from the edge of El Capitan until you reach a long and distinct 30-40-foot-wide drainage just below the Zodiac finish. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. [2] A selective guidebook describing over 750 of the very best free rock climbing routes in Yosemite Valley, from 5. Charles, Andy and Max underneath The Nose on Yosemite's giant El Capitan May 1, 2008 · The Salathe Wall is an incredible route with lots of infamous wide cracks. 9km running route near Area I (Youbou / Meade Creek), CA. 73195° longitude = -119. com route planner. Apr 23, 2024 · I teach a lot of learn to lead classes. SuperTopo offers the world's best big wall rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Yosemite National Park in both online downloadable format and in printed books Feb 21, 2008 · Lurking Fear is on the far left side of El Capitan. 11. 9"), destination name ("red rocks"), or formation ("el capitan"). 11, 8 pitches A Yosemite classic free climb. From discovering the best trad climbing routes to sleeping overnight on the big wall, read this complete guide about everything on El Capitan Grades at Yosemite. 12D - Yosemite Valley, California USA and other areas. Feb 26, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. El Capitan Route is a 1 km black diamond singletrack trail located near Lake Cowichan British Columbia. 8 routes, just search for "5. Staying informed will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit during your time at any of the El Capitan locations. This route is substantially more involved than the Nose or Salathé but technically easier than the Shield or Zodiac. Explore nps. The steep I was looking at belonged to the Heart Route (VI 5. 12d route, with a few variations in 3 hours, 56 minutes. The color wall hanging includes many previously unpublished topos, while clarifying both variations and route progressions. Oct 30, 2017 · The Direct Line is the newest route up El Capitan in Yosemite and it was climbed all free. There are many great ledges on this route, so consider leaving the portaledge at home. 3 days ago · El Corazon climbs 5. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Nov 22, 2021 · What grade is the easiest route on El Capitan? At 5. However, it’s not an easy trek. Yosemite Big Walls covers the 64 best big wall routes on El Capitan, Half Dome, and Washington Column most of which were personally climbed and documented by authors Chris McNamara and Chris Van Leuven. Aug 19, 2019 · This amazing photo project stitches together more than 2,000 images into one single, super high resolution photo of El Capitan. Heart Route — El Capitan California, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan Author: Charles Kroger. Like many climbers before and after, I considered El Cap’s East Buttress a stepping-stone to the big time. search for "the nose"), rating (e. It is the realization of my original vision of my artwork, both in size and content. 6 days ago · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - Mescalito - Yosemite Valley, California USA. Enjoy the El Capitan picnic area or trails and get carried away in Yosemite Valley. As one of the more popular routes in the Valley Nov 13, 2021 · Hiking El Capitan, the largest single granite rock on earth, was one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Yosemite National Park. Have you ever climb in EL Capitan? Check out this design with some of the routes of this rock formation in Yosemite National Park! Get yours and never get lost again in the middle of the route. Plotted with the plotaroute. The Free El Capitan was first climbed in 1935 by the Underhills and Dave Williams. The climb might be the longest route on El Cap at 35 pitches. Golden Gate is a nine-pitch variation that climbs from above El Cap Spire on the Salathé Wall to Tower to The People on Corazon. 14 (F3 to F8c), with everything from single pitch routes to 1,000m+ routes on El Cap. Climbing El Capitan presents various routes with varying levels of difficulty, which attracts climbers of all skill levels. Modern big wall climbing began in the late 1950's and was developed into a fine art on its faces in the 1960's as climbers from all over the world have come to challenge its demanding routes. This represented an entirely new level of research and accuracy. There are many named climbing routes, all of them arduous, including Iron Hawk and Sea of Dreams. Sep 24, 2019 · A new gigapixel panorama captures Yosemite's El Capitan in such high resolution one can zoom in to see every route in detail on the granite monolith. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles. Jul 31, 2025 · El Capitan itself conjures up fear, adrenaline, and excitement. Add onto this redlining of routes and over 2,000 more photos of a climbing team going up the nose, and you have some serious rock climber eye candy. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense Feb 27, 2007 · El Capitan is home to numerous classic routes but "The Nose" is the mega classic of them all. Additionally it was created by compiling all the published topos from existing guidebooks. The Salathé Wall is one of the original big wall climbing routes up El Capitan, a 3,000-foot (900 m) high granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. 12D - Yosemite Valley, California USA. The route’s storied history shows how personal style has continuously evolved in Yosemite since the very beginning—from the just get ‘er done Nov 5, 2019 · Caldwell said the route has “some of the most spectacular climbing I have found. Afterwards, I often have students tell me their dreams of climbing El Capitan. ? • Millions of unique designs by independent artists. Williams was a local jack of all trades, owning a butcher and bake shop, delivering mail, mining, mountain goat hunting, and apparently one of the first mountain guides in the region. Publication Year: 1971. g. I’m experienced in multi pitches and trad. It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. I’d bagged a handful of long free routes but not the Nose or Salathé or any of the other trade routes up the 3,000-foot El Capitan, home to the most celebrated big-wall climbs on earth. Tighten your harness and double-check your knot, to join Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, and Tommy 1 day ago · Lurking Fear is the easiest aid line on El Cap. 6392° List View Viewing Routes attached to Mountain/Rock: El Capitan View All Routes Add Route to El Capitan: Create New Attach Existing Viewing: 1-14 of 14 Search May 20, 2025 · The route stretches approximately 1000 meters (3300 feet) across the southwest face of El Capitan, encompassing 30-35 pitches; specifically, the route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. Very large. 13b, Huber-Huber, AAJ 2001) in 2009, I spotted a system of beautiful cracks and corners leading out the left side of the massive, heart-shaped recess in the middle El Cap’s southwest face. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. May 21, 2023 · Hi, I’m interested in going to Yosemite to climb on El Capitan. The Valley Visitor Shuttle operates from 7:00am - 10:00pm. The route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear Apr 1, 2025 · The granite walls of Yosemite National Park have drawn climbers for generations, from the earliest ascents of Half Dome to the modern-day sub two hour ascents of El Capitan’s Nose. 14d climbing, it is also considered the hardest big wall ascent in the world. El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, CA PUBLISHED IN 2000, SECOND EDITION • SIZE: 26” X 37” El Cap was first published in November 1996, then re-printed in 2000. The Salathé Wall was named by Yvon Chouinard in honor of John Salathé, a pioneer of rock climbing in Yosemite. Out of all the existing routes, perhaps no stage is more obvious than the “Greatest Route on Earth,” the Salathé Wall (VI 5. This 16 mile route took us past Yosemite Falls and through some beautiful forested Yosemite backcountry. Dec 17, 2024 · Most ascents of El Capitan entail roughly 30 pitches of climbing, usually completed over several days, much of it aided. 10. I don’t climb hard - severe and occasional hard severe. Preparation is key for climbing El Capitan. Oct 3, 2018 · Alex Honnold climbs El Capitan without a rope or safety equipment, becoming the first person to free solo the route. Discover the highlights. He went up Freerider, a 5. The Nose is the most popular route on El Cap, so prepare to wait in line for two days at the base. Shuttles run daily every 10-20 minutes depending on the time of day. Jul 29, 2023 · The routes on El Capitan provide a physical challenge and an unforgettable experience anchored in climbing history. Towering nearly 3000' this route offers 31 pitches of superb climbing right up the middle of the wall. The Big dome lounge car eventually replaced the mid-train club-lounge car. This was one of El Cap’s earlier wall routes, and Davis and Kroger Welcome to The Nose of El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park -- the most iconic rock climb on earth. gov to book your trip prior to arrival. Jul 4, 2025 · You can search the SuperTopo database of climbing routes by route name (e. Hike to the base of the wall, as you would for the Nose, and then skirt the base of the wall, hiking up the long slope beneath the face. The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. Most parties spend the first day hiking loads to the base and fixing to Sickle Ledge. Jun 22, 2015 · Mason Earle, 26, has made the first free ascent of the Heart Route on El Capitan and his partner, Brad Gobright, 27, freed everything but a few metres Nov 3, 2024 · El Capitan, Freeblast (5. Freerider sits off to the left side of The Nose, El Cap’s premier buttress, and tops out at 3,300 feet/30 pitches above the valley floor. SuperTopo offers the world's best big wall climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering route information for Yosemite National Park and other destinations in both online downloadable format and in printed books The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. Mar 5, 2019 · Free Solo - Freerider - El Capitanlast updated 5 Mar 2019 On June 3, 2017 Alex Honnold free solos (climbs without ropes for protection) , a 3,200 foot granite face in Yosemite. Climbing El Capitan by any of its big-wall routes is considered a lifetime achievement by many. Feb 16, 2022 · I think I was 18. For many, climbing in Yosemite represents the pinnacle of rock climbing, offering world-class routes that range from beginner-friendly slabs to the most difficult big-wall test pieces in existence. “It’s over 3,000 feet of sheer granite; looking at it, it doesn’t seem right The route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. 13c). Feb 14, 2016 · The Nose is unusual for El Capitan because all of its bivouacs are on natural ledges and because there is a high percentage of free climbing on the route, compared with the steeper, blanker aid climbs to either side. The East Buttress of El Capitan has the potential to spawn all these emotions with far less commitment. This goal is large. Map Center Coordinates: latitude = 37. El Capitan from Yosemite Valley is considered a hard route with an elevation gain of 4,839 ft, taking approximately 9–10 hr to complete. A common strategy is to either pre-haul to Heart Ledges, or rap once you get there and haul the next day. 8 yosemite". Situated on the north side of Yosemite Valley near its western end, El Capitan is renowned worldwide for its sheer vertical walls, making it a premier destination for El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the North side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The route is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and is considered a classic around the The original overview map of El Cap was first published in November 1996… However with only 72 routes it could not define all the small variations and intricacies of El Cap’s right side. 8". Climb Year: 1970. Through a wide selection of climbs, Chris McNamara takes you on a step-by-step guide from your first aid climb to the summit of El Capitan. Four fixed lines bring you back to the ground. Feb 22, 2019 · A wall of near vertical stone that dominates Yosemite National Park, it has long bewitched the climbing community. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. The first 8-10 pitches of the Salathé Wall route. Of note, the route also serves as a convenient introduction to the East Slabs descent route which is very nearby upon topping out. 8 routes in Yosemite, search for "5. This poster details over 70 routes and is designed as a comprehensive overview of the face. Essentially it is the Salathe wall with a few variations used (pioneered by Alex Huber) to avoid the numerous 5. Jan 16, 2015 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Jul 21, 2014 · One climb that will appear on the list of just about any climber with blood flowing through their veins is The Nose on El Cap, which perhaps - when all things are considered, such as location, quality, steepness and difficulty - is the greatest rock route on the planet. Here are the routes on El Capitan: 1) East Ridge (Class 3) - Just northwest of Alice Lakes at the 8600 ft level, leave the trail and head El Capitan is a towering granite monolith located in Yosemite National Park, California, rising approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters) from base to summit along its tallest face. : r/climbing Go to climbing r/climbing r/climbing Jul 10, 2019 · Yosemitebigwall. The El Capitan Hiking Route Experienced El Capitan visitors regard the Upper Yosemite Falls Track hike as the best trip up to the summit. 13 crux pitches first freed by Paul Piana and Todd Skinner in the mid 80's. 3 days ago · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - The Shield - Yosemite Valley, California USA. El Capitan was first climbed in 1935 by the Underhills and Dave Williams. All shuttles follow the same route, serving stops in numerical order. This post aims to provide folks with a timeline and intermediate goals so they can better prepare for the daunting task Oct 1, 2024 · The El Capitan (“the Captain” or “the Chief”) is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end in Californi… East Buttress, , El Capitan, - Rock climbing and topo info, including possible combinations and similar climbs for East Buttress and many more of the best classic routes. Sep 23, 2008 · The Free Rider is the Astroman of the new millennium. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. 13 cracks on and around Son of Heart and Heart Route. Corazon is more sustained and cruxier than Golden Gate. This route is climbing at its finest. 2 days ago · The Muir Wall is one of El Cap's greatest natural lines, second only to the Salathé. Jan 30, 2024 · The iconic rock climbing routes in Yosemite Valley attract climbers from all over the world, offering a thrilling and challenging experience. 11, 8p) Home • Trip Reports • California • El Capitan, Freeblast (5. , Possibly the most famous climb in the world, The Nose is the route. “El Cap is unfathomably huge,” Caldwell says. The El Capitan passenger train history, equipment consist, routes, schedules, operators, photos, maps, etc. This Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Jul 10, 2019 · Yosemitebigwall. The print is mounted […] Everything you need to know about Big Wall climbing in Yosemite. ” Caldwell has made a number of first free ascents on El Capitan, including the West Buttress in 2003, Dihedral Wall in 2004, Magic Mushroom in 2008 and Dawn Wall in 2015. Jun 19, 2023 · The East Buttress is considered the easiest free route up El Capitan, although it climbs one of the shorter walls, it still gives you an amazing opportunity to experience the face and to descend the legendary East Ledges. Service may be affected by construction projects. Check shuttle stops for more information. May 20, 2025 · The route stretches approximately 1000 meters (3300 feet) across the southwest face of El Capitan, encompassing 30-35 pitches; specifically, the route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. 4 to 5. Jan 30, 2024 · El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, is renowned for its breathtaking rock climbing routes that have attracted climbers from all over the world. The route is definitely a step up from the East Buttress of Middle Cathedral, but just the right size step. SCOTT DAVIS and I drove into Yosemite early in April, planning to climb a new route on El Cap. Jul 10, 2025 · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - South Seas - Yosemite Valley, California USA. Ditch the calendar or book-sized portrait to make room for this huge (three feet by five feet!), high resolution image of El Capitan with all the popular route lines drawn on. A. Jan 1, 2023 · The El Capitan hike is one of the best in Yosemite and few people take it on (making it even better). The hauling on the last seven pitches is bad and punishes parties that bring too much. May 19, 2025 · While El Capitan is famous for its world-class climbing routes, there’s also a steep, strenuous, and official hiking route that gets overlooked. hqcdqa zam nxgicpj qha unxe cmjr csxszu cfpd aqaae qgvo
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